In the past we have explored the origins of Litchfield. For those just tuning in, here is a brief overview. With the approaching Fernley & Lassen Railroad traversing the Honey Lake Valley in 1912,, the survey route went north of Standish through the Gibson Ranch. B.F. Gibson plotted a new townsite on his property that he initially dubbed “New Standish.” He had hope to lure Standish residents and businesses to the new townsite, since it would have the benefit of the railroad. It should be noted Standish was only three miles away. In 1913, Gibson’s townsite was recorded and named Litchfield, after his late father-in-law Andrew Litch, which Gibson acquired his ranch.
While Litchfield did not become the major commercial hub envisioned, it was still a busy place. The Litchfield Depot was the major shipping point for the agricultural community for decades to come. In 1923, a huge barbecue was held at Litchfield as part the dedication ceremony of the Bly Tunnel at Eagle Lake that would provide water for reclamation in the Honey Lake Valley. It was estimated that some 5,000 people attended. Yet, for all the activity at Litchfield I rarely come across any photographic record of activities at Litchfield.